Highlanders Train Future All Stars

By Deigo Mack

BRONX, NEW YORK, August 13- Recently, I had a chance to spend a day with Bronx Highlanders Baseball Academy (HBA) founder Joe Cisco Sr. After seeing his team in action, I came away impressed with a local sports program and recognized an undying dedication to Bronx youth.

In fact, for over 20 years, in the Pelham Bay section of the Bronx, Coach Joe Cisco Sr. has built a baseball program with an emphasis on character and mental preparation rather than winning championships. Sound odd? Go figure.

Cisco explains “Winning isn’t everything because after you win a ballgame, it’s destined your going to lose one sooner or later. And then, what? Here at Highlander Baseball, we believe losing is more important than victories. Think about it. How else would we know our capabilities unless we lost a game or two? After that, you make adjustments and be thankful someone taught us our weak points.”

So regardless of the scoreboard, HBA remains a winner both on and off the field. The biggest example is Coach James Cisco Jr., the founders’ son, whom played baseball at Fordham University. Nowadays, the younger Cisco coaches the Highlander’s 17-year-old traveling team for his Dad, making HBA, a family affair.

Even players say the camaraderie is genuine. Talented St. Raymond’s High School pitcher Malik Dixon said, “I wouldn’t be the pitcher I am today without Highlander Baseball Academy and I owe it all to Coach Joe and his son.”

Even hard hitting third baseman Miles Semetis stated, “We learn so much about life from Coach Joe and Coach James, baseball becomes easier. They teach us about hard work, dedication and staying the course.”

For instance, it is common for HBA players to participate in off season training: batting cages, weight training, fielding instruction, and other developmental drills are worked on during winter months.

In the summer, it is baseball tournaments and high school showcases for HBA players. Their results speak for themselves. Highlander Baseball Academy is responsible for sending over 50 kids to college and minor league franchises since 1990.

Joe Sr. said, “I’m 64 years old. My son has energy to travel…I don’t. Plus, Junior knows the program inside out…he lived it. I enjoy watching him coach, he makes me so proud.”

Sitting in the dugout, Joe Jr. leads HBA into the future with designer shades on. He offers coded encouragement to his players between innings, which proves you’d have to be inside Bronx Highlanders Baseball Academy to understand its lingo.

But the day wouldn’t be complete without a last word from HBA founder, Joe Sr. who says “Remember winning isn’t everything, our goal is to get kids to college.”

Looking over numerous college scouts and press interviews of his players, it seems his formula is working. Training, Education and Exposure is Highlander’s motto.

It’s a job well done.

visit www.eteamz.com/HighlanderAcademy  Facebook.com/Highlanders Training Academy

e-mail Deigo Mack: Deigomack@yahoo.com

Sweet Revenge for Red Bulls

(Photos by Ken Carozza)

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BRONX, NEW YORK, August 13- The Red Bulls served up sweet revenge at home in their new Newark Stadium. After losing 2-0 to the Dynamo in Houston, the Red Bulls returned the favor. On Friday they beat Houston 2-0.

After a scoreless first half. The Red Bulls came on strong on the second half with goals from Juan Gunnar Solli and Tim Cahill. The Bulls moved into second place with the win.

Pols, Residents Celebrate Night Out

(Photos by Gary Quintal)

By Michael Horowitz

BRONX, NEW YORK, August 10- City Council candidate Andy King headlined a group of dignitaries attending Tuesday night's National Night Out at the Section 1 Greenway, working the crowd and engaging leaders of civic organization in discussion about how life in Co-op City could be improved.

King, a long-time leader of the Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) in the Baychester/Edenwald area, interacted easily with Winston Dinkins, a long-time leaders of the Zodiacs Track Team, and Lorraine Rohlsen-Alexander, a founder and long-time leader of the Co-op City Tennis Club.

The candidate, the frontrunner in the contest to succeed Larry Seabrook as Councilman for the 12th Councilmanic District, promised to help Dinkins realize his dream of a track along Co-op City's Section 1 Greenway and to assist Rohlsen-Alexander in efforts to improve conditions at the community's tennis courts.

Those attending Tuesday night's National Night Out, a time to celebrate the solidarity among shareholders in the fight against crime, included Helen Atkins, president of the Riverbay board; Daryl Johnson and Al Shapiro, members of the Riverbay board; Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, and Rep. Eliot Engel.

In addition to politicking, Tuesday's Night Out was a time for Co-op City shareholders to get to know one another and to celebrate their common bonds.

For Melanie Fournier and her daughter, Nalani, 7, it was a time to enjoy refreshments that management and community organizations provided and to enjoy a beautiful night out together with each other and with friends in the local community.

“We've got a good thing going in Co-op City,” said City Councilman James Vacca, a former District Manager of Community Board 10 who represents Throggs Neck, County Club, and Pelham Bay in the Council. “However, we have to be concerned that the NYPD is down 7,000 officers since 2001.”

Rohlsen-Alexander, for her part, pointed with pride to what the Co-op City Tennis Club has accomplished in the local community over the last 25 years. Tea Braxton, 12, Leah Bentham, 10; Iaminie Stokes, 13, and Kyra Aska, 13, were there to lend their support to the tennis club that has meant so much to them over the years.

Rohlsen-Alexander, who has lived in Co-op City for 41 years, stressed, “It's wonderful that we can have a celebration, like this National Night Out, in our own backyard. It's wonderful that we have come together to interact and join in the fight to maintain Co-op City's safe and beautiful environment. We, as shareholders, should appreciate what we have and resolve to maintain it.”

Faye Bentham, a grandmother of Leah Bentham, a Co-op City Tennis Club member, stressed, “I have lived in Co-op City for 20 years, and I like the environment. Three generations of our family have, for years, lived in this community. The National Night Out gives us a chance to get together with our friends and neighbors and to celebrate what we have in Co-op City.” 

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Help Catch Perv

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Help Catch Perv: BRONX, NEW YORK, August 10- Police are asking for the public’s help in trying to track down a man who exposed himself to a 15-year-old...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Help Catch Perv

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Help Catch Perv: BRONX, NEW YORK, August 10- Police are asking for the public’s help in trying to track down a man who exposed himself to a 15-year-old...

Help Catch Perv

BRONX, NEW YORK, August 10- Police are asking for the public’s help in trying to track down a man who exposed himself to a 15-year-old girl.

Cops say that around 1:50 p.m. on July 23rd, the man exposed himself to the teen at the East 180th Street station of the Numbers 2 and 5 subway line.

Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.

All calls are confidential.

Soccer Superpowers Clash at Yankee Stadium

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(Photo by NY Yankees)

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, August 9- Soccer fans flocked to Yankee Stadium on Wednesday night to see two of the legendary European superpowers, Real Madrid of Spain and A.C. Milan of Italy, meet in a friendly match.

Prior to entering Yankee Stadium, many in the large crowd had dinner at neighborhood eateries on 161^st Street. Several distributed 4-inch commemorative soccer balls to its patrons. Dr. Cary Goodman, Executive Director of the 161 BID Business Improvement District), who spearheaded the project, commented, “We want everyone to enjoy this great soccer match. These are two great teams, representing two great soccer traditions.”

Having the opportunity to see two of the most prestigious football sides on the Yankee Stadium pitch was quite an attraction as the sellout crowd of 49,474 was the largest gathering to witness a soccer game in either Yankee Stadium.

The match between the world renowned sides was the second of the World Football Challenge matches held at the iconic sports venue in the Bronx this summer. Soccer’s premiere at the current Yankee Stadium took place on July 22, when the Chelsea F.C. and Paris St. Germain fought to a 1-1 draw. A very respectable crowd of 38,202 attended that contest.

Excitement grew as the day of the second game drew nearer. The two sides have been among the most prominent world football squads in history. Milan, now in its third century of existence, is one of the most decorated clubs in history. The club has been an 18-time winner of Italy’s Series A. It has captured the European Cup/UEFA Champions League Title in seven years, 1963, ‘69, ‘89, ‘90, ‘94, 2003 and ‘07.

Real holds a record nine wins of the European Cup beginning with five consecutive titles from 1956-60, ’66, ’98, 2000 and ’02. Within Spain, Real has been victorious a record 32 times. The club’s most recent season, 2011-12 was a banner year. It set marks for points, 100, goals scored, 121, difference in goals scored, +89, away wins, 16, and total wins (32).

The contest proved to be extremely one-sided to the delight of most of those in attendance as Real was victorious, 5-1. Although billed as a “friendly,” individual and club pride are always factors when professional athletes are in action.

One of the greatest current superstars of the sport, Christian Ronaldo, lived up to expectations as he scored two goals, During the 2011-12 season, the Portuguese forward scored 46 goals in 37 games in La Liga in Spain and netted 12 in 13 other appearances. Ronaldo remains the most costly transfer in world football history as Real Madrid paid $130 million to Manchester United to obtain his services.

The 27-year old received a standing ovation from the full house when he was removed from the contest with 10 minutes left. When asked why Ronaldo was given so many minutes, Madrid’s manager, Jose Morinho, replied, “It’s a historical stadium, a historical opponent, a full stadium. Christian is part of the show, what the people want to see.”

Another Real Madrid player in the spotlight was Kaká. The talented Brazilian assisted on two goals in the second half. The 30-year old was rumored to be returning to his previous club, Milan, for the new season. Marinho forthrightly expressed his opinion, “I’m happy to keep him and happy to sell if he wants to go. He’s a great player. My arms are open if he wants to stay.” To clubs interested in purchasing the services of Kaká, he warned, “If you want to buy a diamond, you have to pay.”

The nine games of the Herbalife World Football Challenge were played not only to heighten interest in soccer within the United States nor to fill the coffers of each club, but also to prepare each club for the fast approaching new season. Madrid open its season on August 18 and Milan opens on August 26.